The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that online account users will be required to transition to a new login portal.
Users of my Social Security who registered for an online account prior to September 18, 2021, will need to transition to a Login.gov account if they wish to continue accessing online services. Accounts created before this time were able to log in directly on the government agency’s website with a username and password, whereas accounts created after access services through Login.gov.
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A my Social Security account is not just for those who collect retirement benefits or welfare checks. Accounts can be used for a variety of services, including requesting a replacement Social Security card, managing your benefits, estimating future retirement amounts, and getting access to your Social Security statement.
Login.gov is “a secure sign in service” that can be used to sign in for services by participating government agencies. The sign in process requires a password and the completion of two-step authentication, such as a unique code sent to a phone number or email address, which “makes it difficult for others to access your information” and better protects your account.
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The Login.gov service is already used by other government agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, Small Business Administration and the Office of Personal Management.
The changeover is simple and accessible, with users being prompted to make the change to Login.gov when they log in using their existing credentials. Once an account is successfully linked, a screen will appear confirming that the change has been made. Users will then have immediate access to their personal my Social Security services.
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The government agency said it is making the changes in order to “simplify the sign-in experience and align with federal authentication standards while providing safe and secure access to online services.”
The SSA said more than 5 million account holders have already made the transition to two-step authentication and do not need to make a new account. The government agency did not specify how many more would be required to make the change. Newsweek has contacted the SSA for comment via email outside for normal working hours.
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“my Social Security is a safe and secure way for people to do business with us,” Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley said in a press release issued last week. “We’re excited to transition to Login.gov to access our online services, streamlining the process and ease of use for the public across agencies.”
